Munich. While preparations for the fourth race in the 2016/17 #fiaformulaechampionship in #mexicocity (MEX) continues apace at the MS #amlinandretti team supported by BMW Motorsport, long-term planning also continues for a potential works entry in season 5. This includes the formal registration as a #formulae manufacturer, a step that has been taken by BMW. The registration was accepted by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

The planned expansion of the involvement of #bmwi and BMW Motorsport in the first race series for all-electric single-seater cars is part of the long-term global motorsport strategy for the BMW Group. BMW had already taken the next step in this direction, agreeing a close partnership with the MS #amlinandretti team at the start of the current season. This cooperation includes working together at engineering level and sharing resources. BMW Motorsport is supporting MS #amlinandretti with the provision of works driver António Félix da Costa (PRT).

“Since its inaugural season, #formulae has enjoyed rapid development and is now regarded as a high-level #racing series,” says BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “BMW i has contributed actively as Official Vehicle Partner from the word go and has left its mark on the series. Other manufacturers have now followed suit. Everyone involved is delighted to be taking steps to get involved on the sporting and technological side of #formulae. Planning is underway to compete with a works team in season 5. This required our registration as a manufacturer. This was completed by the required deadline.”

The partnership with the team led by US #racing legend Michael Andretti has also been nothing but positive so far. A close exchange of ideas between the engineers at BMW and at Andretti #formulae was established with synchronised processes and continual knowledge transfer. The engineers at BMW Motorsport in Munich have also started development of a #formulae powertrain. “We still have a lot of work to do, but we have taken the first steps,” confirms Marquardt. “If the series continues with this positive development, we want to be perfectly prepared for the potential works entry in season 5.”